Some adult sexual predators hide behind a false identity to attract children on the Internet.
- Grooming is an increasingly common pedophile practice on the Internet.
- To protect your child from these sexual predators, it is essential to limit his access to the Internet and more particularly to social networks, and to explain to him that malicious people can try to get in touch with him.
If they belong to the category of online stalkers, adults who practice “grooming” have the particularity of hiding behind the identity of a minor to better contact children or adolescents. Their predatory goal is to obtain sexual relations.
How does the stalker carry out the “grooming”?
After creating his fake minor profile, the predator takes the time to seduce his victim by choosing him mainly according to his age. He starts a conversation on social networks in order to bind a relationship of trust.
He thus tries to obtain as much information as possible to manipulate and if possible isolate his victim so that she keeps the secret of their relationship.
Gradually, he may ask her for photographs or videos of a sexual nature while manipulating her through emotional blackmail or threats.
How to act as parents?
Talking about new technologies with your children, including from primary school, can inform them about the risks of being contacted by strangers or fake profiles and to encourage them to verify a person’s identity, and n accept as their true friends.
Faced with any change in behavior on the part of your child, especially if he withdraws, it is important to think about the possibility that he is a victim of “grooming” and thus accompany him in the steps to protect him.
Find out more: www.internet-signalement.gouv.fr/PharosS1
